Cetyl Acetate → Cetyl Alcohol

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

A mixture of 100 grams (0.35 mole) of n-hexadecyl acetate, 50 grams of 50% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (25 grams -- 0.62 mole of NaOH) and 1 gram of tricaprylylmethylammonium chloride were stirred in a beaker. After10 minutes, 50 ml of water was added to the reaction mixture, and the temperature rose to 54° C. After stirring for 2 hours, the organic layer solidified. The mixture was then heated to 50° C for 20 minutes. After cooling, the solid which separated was collected on the filter, washed with water and dried to give 41 grams (95%) of 1-hexadecanol having a melting point of 43°-48° C.

Provenance & Evidence